What is Number Porting?
Number porting (Local Number Portability or LNP) lets you transfer your existing phone number from one carrier to another. When you switch to a SIP trunk provider like IPComms, you do not need to change your phone number. The FCC mandates that carriers must release numbers when customers request a port.
The process involves your new provider (the "winning carrier") submitting a port request to your current provider (the "losing carrier"). Once approved, calls to your number route to your SIP trunk instead of your old carrier.
Key Point: You own your phone number. Carriers cannot refuse a legitimate port request. If your current provider tries to block the port, they are violating FCC regulations.
Before You Start
Before submitting a port request, make sure you have these things in order:
Active Service
Do NOT cancel your current service before the port completes. The number must be active to port.
SIP Trunk Ready
Have your SIP trunk configured and tested with a temporary number first.
No Pending Changes
Cancel any pending orders or changes with your current carrier.
Account in Good Standing
Pay any outstanding balances. Past-due accounts can delay ports.
Warning: Never cancel your existing service until the port is confirmed complete and calls are routing to your new SIP trunk. Canceling early will release your number back to the carrier pool and you may lose it permanently.
Step 1: Gather Your Account Information
The port request requires exact account details that match your current carrier's records. Any mismatch will cause a rejection.
| Information | Where to Find It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Account Number | Your monthly bill or online account | Not your phone number |
| Account PIN/Password | Call your carrier or check account settings | Some carriers use a separate transfer PIN |
| Authorized Name | Name on the account (person or business) | Must match exactly, including LLC/Inc |
| Service Address | Address associated with the account | Must match exactly, including unit/suite |
| Phone Numbers | List all numbers to port | BTN (main number) + additional DIDs |
| Current Carrier | Your bill or CSR document | May differ from reseller name |
Pro Tip: Request a CSR (Customer Service Record) from your current carrier. This document contains all the account details needed for porting and ensures nothing is mismatched.
Step 2: Submit the Port Request
With IPComms, you can submit a port request through our customer portal or by contacting support.
Sign the LOA (Letter of Authorization)
The LOA is a legal document that authorizes IPComms to port your number. It must be signed by the account holder. The LOA includes:
- Your name and business name
- Service address on file with current carrier
- Phone numbers to be ported
- Authorization to release the numbers
- Signature and date
Provide a Recent Bill
Most carriers require a copy of your most recent phone bill to verify account ownership. The bill should show the account holder name, account number, phone numbers, and service address.
Submit via IPComms Portal
Log into the IPComms customer portal and navigate to Phone Numbers > Port Request. Upload your LOA and bill copy, fill in your account details, and submit. You will receive email updates as the port progresses.
Step 3: Understand the Porting Timeline
Porting timelines vary depending on the type of number and carrier:
| Port Type | Typical Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless to SIP | 2-5 business days | Fastest port type |
| Landline (simple) | 5-10 business days | Single line, no complex features |
| Landline (complex) | 10-20 business days | PRI/T1, multiple numbers, hunt groups |
| Toll-free numbers | 7-14 business days | Managed by RespOrg transfer |
| VoIP to VoIP | 3-7 business days | Usually faster than landline |
Note: These are typical timelines. Rejections or incomplete information can add days or weeks. Getting your LOA details right the first time is the best way to speed things up.
Step 4: Get Your FOC Date
Once your port request is accepted, you will receive a FOC (Firm Order Commitment) date. This is the confirmed date when the number will transfer to IPComms.
After receiving the FOC date:
- Verify your SIP trunk is configured and tested
- Ensure your Asterisk dialplan handles inbound calls to the ported number
- Plan for a brief interruption (usually under 15 minutes during cutover)
- Have your old system ready as a fallback if needed
With IPComms: We configure the DID routing before the FOC date. As soon as the number ports over, calls automatically route to your SIP trunk. No action needed from you on the day of.
Step 5: Day of Cutover
On the FOC date, the port happens automatically:
Port Activates
The number transfers in the carrier routing database (NPAC). Usually happens in the morning.
Calls Start Routing
Within minutes of activation, incoming calls route to IPComms and your SIP trunk.
Verify Inbound
Test by calling the ported number from a cell phone. Verify it rings on your Asterisk system.
Verify Outbound Caller ID
Make an outbound call using the ported number as caller ID. Verify it displays correctly.
Cancel Old Service
Only after verifying everything works, contact your old carrier to close the account.
Common Port Rejections and Fixes
| Rejection Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Name mismatch | Use the exact name on the account. "John Smith" is not "John A. Smith" |
| Address mismatch | Use exact address format from your bill. "St" vs "Street" matters |
| Account number wrong | Check your bill. Some carriers have sub-account numbers |
| PIN/password incorrect | Call your carrier to verify or reset your transfer PIN |
| Number not on account | Verify the number is listed on this specific account |
| Pending order exists | Cancel any pending changes with your current carrier |
| Number frozen | Call carrier to remove port-out freeze (they must comply per FCC) |
Pro Tips for Smooth Porting
Port Multiple Numbers Together
If you have multiple numbers with the same carrier, port them all in one request. This is faster and less error-prone than individual ports.
Test Before You Port
Get a temporary DID from IPComms and configure your trunk first. Verify inbound and outbound calls work before porting your production number.
Configure Asterisk in Advance
Set up your inbound route for the ported number before the FOC date. Calls route correctly the moment the port completes.
Request a Specific Time
Ports typically complete in the morning. If concerned about downtime, ask your provider about scheduling a specific port time.
Asterisk Dialplan for Ported Numbers
Once your number is ported to IPComms, configure Asterisk to handle inbound calls:
[from-ipcomms]
; Route inbound calls based on DID
exten => 2125551234,1,NoOp(Inbound call to ported number)
same => n,Set(CALLERID(name)=${CALLERID(name)})
same => n,Goto(internal,100,1)
; Catch-all for any DID
exten => _X.,1,NoOp(Inbound call to ${EXTEN})
same => n,Answer()
same => n,Playback(welcome)
same => n,Goto(ivr-main,s,1)Replace 2125551234 with your ported number. See our PJSIP trunk tutorial for the full trunk configuration.
Ready to Port Your Number?
IPComms handles the porting process for you. Submit your request through our portal and we take care of the rest. Most ports complete within 5-10 business days.